Stories and photos by April Mulherin, assistant director of media relations

Gibson named Trustee Professor
Professor of Geology David Gibson has been named UMF’s 2009-2010 Trustee Professor. His Trustee Professorship research, using UMF’s X-ray fluorescence spectrometer lab, will provide data that can be used to investigate the role volcanic eruptions may play in impacting climate variations.



Building on his interest in investigating recent Earth history through its geology, Gibson’s year-long project will focus on learning more about the geologic events that contributed to volcanic deposits in Patagonia and the South Shetland Islands. Established in 1998 by the University of Maine System Board of Trustees, the Trustee Professorship recognizes exemplary full-time faculty members at University of Maine System campuses, promotes excellence in academic programs, and provides the opportunity and support for recipients to pursue continued in-depth scholarly work. UMF nominees for the Trustee Professorship are recommended to Provost Allen Berger, who submits the final appointment to the University of Maine System chancellor for approval. The Trustee Professor is announced during UMF’s Michael D. Wilson Symposium, when the outgoing Trustee Professor delivers a lecture on his/her research. Professor of Biology Drew Barton, the 2008-2009 Trustee Professor, discussed his recent publication “Changing Nature: The Ecology of the Maine Woods” at the 2009 Michael D. Wilson Symposium.

Terry ’09 awarded NERFC research grant

History major Jamez Terry ’09 was awarded a $5,000 New England Regional Fellowship Consortium research grant by the Massachusetts Historical Society to support research at major historical library collections throughout New England, including the Harvard Law School Library. Terry’s research, which originated with a classroom assignment by Christopher O’Brien, assistant professor of history at UMF, explored the life of Charles J. Guiteau, the 1881 assassin of U.S. President James Garfield. “Students learn from doing,” said O’Brien. “Undergraduate research allows students to develop their talents and interests through scholarly studies, and Jamez is a natural. I encouraged him to submit the first paper he wrote for me to academic journals. He’s that good.”


UMF, UMaine offer dual degree program
UMF and UMaine’s College of Engineering now offer a five-year dual degree program, providing students with a B.A. in liberal arts from UMF and a B.S. in engineering from UMaine. “This program is tailored for students interested in obtaining a degree in engineering, but who want a liberal arts college experience at a smaller campus as part of their education,” said Rob Lively, UMF associate provost and dean of academic services, in the Daily Bulldog. Students enrolled in the joint program spend their first three years at Farmington, pursuing their major course of study toward their UMF degree and completing general education requirements and engineering prerequisites in math and science. Their final two years will be spent at UMaine, completing engineering course work for the B.S. in engineering.

Student videos selected for MIFF
Five UMF students had their animation and digital videos selected for screening at the 2009 Maine International Film Festival.



The students’ original film shorts were first created for UMF’s new media class taught by Dawn Nye, assistant professor of art, (pictured) and later shown at UMF’s annual Michael D. Wilson Symposium. As reported by the Sun Journal, this is the second year Nye submitted UMF student work to the festival, which screened The Body by Vincent Leonetti, Baby by Stephanie Small, Peanut Butter and Death Jelly by Joanna Wilbur and Elliot Lyons, and Mundane by Emily Baer.

UMF alumnae win top national teaching honors
Yarmouth Elementary School teacher Kimberly Spencer ’95 and Madison Elementary School teacher Pamela Thompson ’77 were named Maine’s winners of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the highest national recognition given to a K-12 teacher for outstanding teaching in the classroom. Spencer, Maine’s winner for mathematics teaching, and Thompson, Maine’s winner for science teaching, will each receive a citation signed by President Obama; a paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend a week-long series of recognition events and professional development programs; and $10,000 from the National Science Foundation.

UMF, Portland Center for the Prevention of Hate Violence prepare future leaders
Nearly 50 students from high schools in Maine, New Hampshire, and Northern Ireland attended the CommUnity Leadership Institute, a joint project of UMF and the Center for the Prevention of Hate Violence. The mid-August campus forum provided the first step in a year-long commitment by participants to prevent hate and build a culture of respect in their communities. Students were drawn from schools that participate in the Center’s Unity Project, an intensive, multi-year collaboration between the Center and school districts to address bullying, bias, and harassment. Students were recommended by educators from their schools in Farmington, Rockland, Lewiston/Auburn, Portland, and Topsham, as well as three high schools in Northern Ireland. “The leadership skills they’ll learn through this experience will challenge them to find their own voices as engaged citizens in their high schools and local communities as well as be an asset to them as they apply to college and seek employment,” said Celeste Branham, UMF vice president for student and community services. Made possible by a generous anonymous donation, the leadership institute will provide challenging opportunities for students to develop thoughtful decision-making skills, invigorate involvement with their communities, and prepare for future leadership roles. The program was delivered by Center staff members, Branham, and UMF students serving as resident assistants.

UMF wins Power Down for the Planet challenge
The Sun Journal reported that UMF won the first-ever Power Down for the Planet challenge, a national competition to fight global warming by reducing computer energy use on college campuses.



“Students, faculty, and staff all came together to show how everyone has a part to play in the responsible use of the Earth’s resources and how the smallest change in our daily actions can have a huge impact on our environment,” said UMF President Theodora J. Kalikow, left, pictured with Tom O’Donnell, UMF manager of network and server systems and campus coordinator of the contest. UMF’s contest-winning commitment will offset 125 tons of carbon a year, saving 164,000 kilowatt hours of electricity and more than $17,000 annually.

Varin ’10 points the way to economic development in Maine
Nancy Varin, a junior political science/social science major and UMF’s 2009 Maine Public Policy Scholar, had a clear message for Governor John Baldacci in making her public policy recommendations: Legislation that encourages investment in locally owned, community-scale wind-power projects would promote sustainable economic development in Maine. Varin, among the youngest UMF students named a Maine Public Policy Scholar, spent much of her sophomore year researching wind power, speaking with leaders in electric- and wind-power industries, and attending green energy conferences. “UMF gave me the opportunity to make a real difference in the state,” Varin said. “This has been a life-changing experience for me.”

Portland-area baseball players noted in the Press Herald
The 2009 UMF baseball roster caught the attention of the Portland Press Herald, which noted that several players formerly suited up for teams of southern Maine’s Telegram League, “considered by many to be the best high school league in the state.” For Craig Pendleton ’09 and senior Brian Morrison, UMF provided “an opportunity to continue pitching,” and “was the best school for their education,” given their interest in teaching. (And, as head coach Dick Meader ’68 told the paper, UMF is the “best place to be if you want to be a teacher.”) The article also singled out Tyler Hanson ’09 and current student-athletes Bill Ridge, Mitch Bean, Josh Garneau, Brandon Gallagher, Brian Jenkins, and Connor McNeill.